Who Fathers the Fathers?
MEMORY VERSE:
“For you did not receive a spirit
that makes us a slave again to fear,
but you received the Spirit of sonship
and by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.”
Romans 8:15
MEN’S NET
INTRODUCTION:
As we reach old age, our children and children’s children become more and more dependent on us for encouragement when they are afraid. But do we have someone whom we can rely on when we ourselves become afraid? Who fathers the fathers?
I. Old fathers need a father more than their children need them.
· The more years that they devote to their children as a father, the more
they are relied on in times of terror.
· The more years they spend life on earth, the lesser number of seniors
who can give them encouragement.
II. Old fathers turn to the Heavenly Father for support.
· He is the source of the divine wisdom, which they give to their
children.
· He is the source of divine strength and encouragement for them to
keep on fathering their children.
III. The Heavenly Father fathers old fathers.
· He removes the spirit of fear.
· He lets them receive the Spirit of sonship.
CONCLUSION:
Old fathers need a father too. The Heavenly Father can be turned to for greater encouragement. He removes our fear and He adopts us as His sons.
REFLECTION: Let us ask ourselves the following questions:
· Do my children or grandchildren increase their reliance on me whenever
they are afraid?
— Why? If not, why not?
· Do I seek for a father myself when no one is around to encourage
me?
— Why? If not, why not?
· Do I trust God that He can give me more divine wisdom?
— Why? If not, why not?
· Do I trust God that He can give me more strength and encouragement
to be a good father?
— Why? If not, why not?
· Do I let God remove my fears?
— What are the particular things that I am afraid of?
— Does God remove them? How?
· Do I treat God as my Heavenly Father?
— Why? If not, why not?
APPLICATION:
— prayer of commitment –
Dear Father, thank you for calling me into this ministry of fathering my children. Please give me more wisdom, strength and encouragement so I can serve You more. Thank You very much for being a Father to me. Amen.
— statement of commitment —
Whenever my children or grandchildren rely to me in their times of fear, I will rely more on God for wisdom. Whenever I feel the need of a father, I will depend on God. I believe He is the Father of all fathers.
CLOSING PRAYER